Boy, this is a tough one. When I was department chair, I tried to keep this conversation continuously alive because it is important to our kids. They need clear and consistent expectations to best enable writing development. In truth, I believe it takes good leadership (a rare enterprise these days) in order to maintain similar expectations. But sharing our efforts and ideas is also key; telling our success stories helps because then others become interested in how our students are accomplishing good work. And the nice thing about sharing is that it isn't bossy! If we graciously lend our ideas to others when they ask, then everybody wins. :-)
We all need high expectations for our students, but maybe not the same expectations because we must consider the diverse abilities and needs of our students. Department or team leaders should encourage all teachers to have "published" works so that all levels of students are sharing writing. All teachers should offer contest pieces and writing projects to their students. I do agree that sharing with colleagues is of the utmost importance. Then we can glean from others, reflect on our own practice, and check our alignment.
Boy, this is a tough one. When I was department chair, I tried to keep this conversation continuously alive because it is important to our kids. They need clear and consistent expectations to best enable writing development. In truth, I believe it takes good leadership (a rare enterprise these days) in order to maintain similar expectations. But sharing our efforts and ideas is also key; telling our success stories helps because then others become interested in how our students are accomplishing good work. And the nice thing about sharing is that it isn't bossy! If we graciously lend our ideas to others when they ask, then everybody wins. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe all need high expectations for our students, but maybe not the same expectations because we must consider the diverse abilities and needs of our students. Department or team leaders should encourage all teachers to have "published" works so that all levels of students are sharing writing. All teachers should offer contest pieces and writing projects to their students. I do agree that sharing with colleagues is of the utmost importance. Then we can glean from others, reflect on our own practice, and check our alignment.
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